Maria Dautant

 Maria’s experience includes working for renowned lighting design firms in Sydney, New York, and Dubai, on a variety of project types, including higher education, K-12, retail, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, master planning, and various commercial projects. As a WELL AP certified designer, Maria has a strong understanding of sustainable and wellness design while integrating the aesthetics and needs of her clients. 

Maria is a strong communicator, listening well to client needs and wants, simplifying complex concepts, asking pertinent questions, and providing specific information required by project team members to keep the project on task, on schedule, and on budget. 

Maria’s passion for lighting is also reflected in her work as an artist. Her light art pieces have been featured in festivals in Sydney and New York. 

As a mentor and educator, Maria has led lighting design workshops in South Korea and the UAE; and was also a part-time Faculty member at Parsons School of Design in New York.   

Maria is a recipient of an IALD Award of Merit and an IES Award of Merit for the design of the MSK David H. Koch Center, in Manhattan. 

Maria is also a volunteer and ambassador for Light for Lebanon — a non-profit organization that is providing solar lighting equipment for the poor and deteriorating areas in Beirut. She is a Professional Member of the Illumination Engineering Society of North America and an Associate Member of the International Association of Lighting Designers, actively working as a coordinator for the IALD Middle East Region.